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Continuance allows time to review additional documentation

The city of Portsmouth's internal investigation into the conduct of Portsmouth Police Chief Charles Horner recently ended. A pre-disciplinary meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, to allow Horner to defend his actions. A continuance was awarded by Mayor James Kalb for Horner's attorney, Henry Arnett, to review additional documentation.

"Mr. Arnett requested a continuance of a pre-disciplinary meeting scheduled for today (Wednesday). He requested more time to review some additional documentation to prepare for the case," said Portsmouth city solicitor/prosecutor Michael Jones.

According to Jones, the information in question was requested by Arnett. Jones' office is in the process of getting that information.

"Based on the fact that we were not going to be able to have everything requested in time for today (Wednesday), the mayor knew that and had rescheduled the meeting," Jones said.

"This is the first step in disciplinary proceedings. Chief Horner will be provided the opportunity to respond to these allegations," he said.

In a letter sent to Horner, he was informed he has the right to appear at the meeting to present an oral or written statement in response to the charges, have his chosen representative present the response or send his response in writing.

"After this meeting is held, and the chief responds, it will be up to the mayor to determine what, if any, disciplinary action will be taken against Chief Horner," Jones said.

When Jones was asked what the possible disciplinary action might be, he responded: "Obviously, that is something for the mayor to decide. I don't really feel comfortable talking about specific types of discipline to take, because that is really not my area to make a decision on."

The meeting now is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 2 p.m.